أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
I seek protection for you both with the perfect words of Allah, from every devil and every poisonous creature, and from every envious eye.
U'eedhukuma bikalimatillahit-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammati, wa min kulli 'aynin lammah
When to Read
This powerful dua is perfect for reciting when your children achieve a milestone – perhaps they start school, learn a new skill, or simply reach a new stage of growth. It's also beneficial to recite regularly, especially when you feel a sense of unease or suspect that envy might be directed towards them. Imagine your child receiving praise, or news of their success spreading. This is a prime time to whisper this dua, offering them spiritual protection.
How to Read
The Sunnah shows us how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would recite this dua for his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them). He would place his hands on them and say these words. You can do the same: place your hand gently on your child's head or shoulder, look at them with love and sincere intention, and recite the dua. Blowing gently afterwards is also a practice mentioned in relation to ruqyah (Islamic spiritual healing). Make sure your intention is purely for seeking Allah's protection.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates seeking refuge in Allah's supreme power and perfect words against unseen evils. It specifically mentions protection from devils ('shaytan'), harmful creatures ('hammah'), and the potent force of the envious eye (''ayn lammah'). When children are praised or excel, they can unfortunately become targets of envy, which Islam teaches can have a real, albeit divinely permitted, effect. This dua is a proactive shield, drawing on Allah's protection to safeguard your children's well-being, their blessings, and their future from the ill effects of envy.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to seek refuge for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain saying: 'A'udhu bi-kalimatillah al-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammah, wa min kulli 'aynin lammah.' (I seek refuge in Allah's perfect words from every devil and every beast, and from every evil eye.) Then he would say: 'It is the practice of your father (Abraham) to seek refuge with Allah's words like this.' Sahih al-Bukhari 3371.